Tim Evanson

Description

English: 1=Model of an oarfish (Regalecus glesne) at the Sant Hall of Oceans at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. The oarfish is a deep ocean fish that has a highly elongated body. It swims primarily by moving its dorsal fin and not its body, and is often seen hanging upright (like it is depicted here) while waiting for prey to be silhouetted by light from above. When oarfish die, they usually come to the surface. This had led to myths about "sea serpents" because the oarfish is so freakish looking. Oarfish are usually about 36 feet (11 metres) long and 600 pounds (272 kg) in wieght. They have no teeth, and feed on plankton, small fish, jellyfish and squid. Oarfish are often eaten by dolphins, killer whales, and sharks.